Gender Summit 5 Africa 2015

Poverty alleviation and economic empowerment through scientific research & innovation: Better Knowledge From and For Africa
28-30 April 2015, Cape Town, South Africa

Welcome from Olive Shisana PhD, Chief Executive Officer, Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), South Africa
Africa has been used as a site and source of many research pursuits. Currently we are the world’s fastest growing continent with an exceptional opportunity for economic growth and prosperity, mainly due to our natural and human resources. African researchers have produced proven evidence that Africa has the capacity to produce research that has a social impact, employing varied scientific disciplines. The Gender Summit Africa (GSA) is set to be one of the activities that we embark upon to stimulate meaningful conversations that will ensure that Africa’s research agenda is strengthened as we reflect on how our science, technology, infrastructure, capital and skills could be used to realize the continent’s full potential for the benefit of its entire people.
A recent giant engineering achievement worth of note is the co-hosting of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope antenna. The telescope is designed to conduct groundbreaking science once completed in 2016. South Africa with eight partner countries (Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, Madagascar and Mauritius) is hosting the major portion of the SKA. Thus, the GSA is held with a view to reflect on the past, current and future sciences and pose questions related to how women have and could be afforded opportunities to fully partake and make a significant contribution to the various sciences, as well as benefit from the scientific advances made. GSA is also cognisant of the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths education if Africa is to support its fast growing economy and possibly be a leading innovation economy in the near future.
The GSA will provide a forum for groups and organizations across all levels of scientific research, including research beneficiaries - to address issues of mutual concern. This forum will be equally significant as an opportunity for exchanging and analysing experiences of conducting research in various research settings.
We look forwrd to welcoming you to Cape Town, South Africa. Download the Gender Summit 5 Africa leaflet.